Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe

Fluffy Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Joy

Crafting a delectable peanut butter pound cake brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Smooth, creamy textures mingle with rich, buttery notes that promise pure comfort.

Nostalgic memories of childhood treats dance through every slice of this irresistible dessert.

Home bakers will find this recipe surprisingly simple and wonderfully rewarding.

Generous dollops of peanut butter create a dense, moist crumb that melts delightfully on your tongue.

Classic techniques combine with nutty warmth, delivering a dessert that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Why Peanut Butter Pound Cake Is So Comforting

  • Bake with Minimal Fuss: A straightforward recipe that requires basic baking skills, perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers seeking a delightful dessert without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Sensation: Combines the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter with the classic comfort of pound cake, creating an irresistible treat that appeals to all ages and satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a simple dusted cake, dress it up with frosting, or serve alongside coffee, making it ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family desserts.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Uses common pantry ingredients and standard mixing methods, allowing bakers to create a decadent dessert without overwhelming kitchen complexity or expensive specialty items.

What You’ll Need for This Pound Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and texture foundation for the pound cake.
  • Baking Powder: Provides essential lift and helps the cake rise evenly.
  • Baking Soda: Helps with browning and balances the acidic ingredients.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
For the Fat and Sweeteners:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender cake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cake's moisture.
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers a distinctive nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
For the Moisture and Binding:
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the cake's flavor.
  • Milk: Ensures a moist and soft cake texture.
Additional Topping:
  • Powdered Sugar: Offers a light, sweet finish and decorative touch to the cake.

How to Bake a Rich Peanut Butter Cake

How to Bake a Rich Peanut Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Get your oven ready by heating it to 325F (163C). Grab a large tube or bundt pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour.

Make sure not to fill the pan more than three-quarters full to prevent any messy overflow.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab a whisk and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Baking soda

Blend these ingredients until they’re well incorporated.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

Using a mixer, blend together:
  • Butter
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Peanut butter

Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the creamy base.

Start with dry ingredients and end with dry ingredients. Mix until everything is perfectly combined and no streaks remain.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes.

At the 60-minute mark, start checking with a toothpick. Continue checking every 5 minutes.

The cake is ready when the toothpick comes out completely clean.

Step 6: Cool and Release

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes.

Carefully remove the cake and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Finish with Flair

Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or add your favorite frosting.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your spectacular peanut butter pound cake!

Helpful Notes for Pound Cake Perfection

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and prevent lumpy batter.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture.
  • Check the cake's doneness early and often to prevent dry or overcooked results.
  • Choose natural peanut butter for a more intense, authentic flavor in the pound cake.
  • Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Flavor Mixes That Work in Pound Cake Too

  • Almond Butter Variation: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty, lighter flavor profile that works great for those seeking alternative nut options.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Chocolate Swirl Upgrade: Incorporate dark chocolate chips into the batter or create a chocolate drizzle topping to enhance the cake's richness and complexity.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free peanut butter to create a completely vegan-friendly pound cake that maintains similar texture and taste.

What Pairs Well with This Nutty Cake

  • Pair with Creamy Chocolate Milk: The rich, nutty peanut butter cake finds its perfect match in a cold glass of smooth chocolate milk, creating a delightful contrast of flavors that kids and adults will love.
  • Complement with Salted Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the cake's dense texture by adding a warm salted caramel sauce on top, which brings out the deep peanut butter notes and adds a luxurious touch to each bite.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, letting the cold, creamy sweetness balance the cake's dense and rich peanut butter profile.
  • Boost with Strong Espresso: A shot of robust espresso cuts through the cake's richness, providing a bold counterpoint that highlights the cake's nutty undertones and cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Keep Pound Cake Fresh and Moist

Store the pound cake in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Seal completely to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.

Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, place in the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small pat of butter on top for extra moisture and flavor boost.

FAQs

  • Why use both butter and peanut butter in this cake?

The combination creates a rich, moist texture with deep nutty flavor that enhances the traditional pound cake taste, giving it a unique and indulgent profile.

  • Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter?

Creamy, processed peanut butter works best for smooth consistency. Natural peanut butter might change the cake’s texture and moisture level, so stick with standard creamy varieties.

  • What makes this pound cake different from traditional recipes?

This version incorporates peanut butter, which adds protein, richness, and a distinctive nutty flavor compared to classic pound cake recipes, making it more interesting and satisfying.

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Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe

Peanut Butter Pound Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy peanut butter pound cake delivers pure comfort with rich, dense texture that melts in your mouth. Indulgent Southern-style dessert promises warm nostalgia and sweet satisfaction for passionate bakers seeking classic homemade goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (128 grams) peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
  • 5 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk (whole or low fat)

Sugar:

  • 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
  • 1 cup (220 grams) light brown sugar, lightly packed

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 325F (163C). Coat a large tube or bundt pan with grease and flour, ensuring not to exceed 3/4 pan capacity to prevent spillage.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking to eliminate potential lumps.
  3. Using an electric mixer, blend butter, sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and airy. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredient mixture and milk to the creamed base, beginning and concluding with dry ingredients. Mix until a smooth, consistent batter forms.
  5. Transfer batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, initially checking doneness at 60 minutes with a toothpick. Continue testing every 5 minutes until the pick emerges clean.
  6. Allow cake to rest in pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  7. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar or applying preferred frosting before serving.

Notes

  • Measure ingredients precisely to ensure the perfect texture and rise of the pound cake.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother blending and better incorporation of ingredients.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
  • Check the cake early and often to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the peanut butter pound cake.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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